The coaches at these elite academies and at the National Football Centre could do worse than ask Andy Murray to address their proteges.

On top: Murray celebrates during the final at Queen's (Image: Action)

There is no finer example of a British sportsman or woman who has wrung every last drop of achievement out of a talent, who has shown a dedication that goes beyond ­professionalism, who has given himself every possible chance to succeed at the very highest level.

One day, Murray will be recognised as the national treasure he is.

Essentially modest, Murray would not presume to be in a position where he could lecture other sportsmen on how to approach their jobs.

But if he did, he could tell them a few pertinent things. Like how the money will take care of itself – it is the sense of achievement that drives Murray.

Sure, the cash is nice – he has collected over £25million in winnings alone – but he once called the mountain of prize-money at Wimbledon ‘ridiculous’, and a less flashy athlete you could not think of.

Like how distractions should be kept to a minimum. Murray has commercial deals and ­obligations but not as many as he could have, and any off-court commitments are ­scheduled strictly in accordance with his training regime.

Like how hard work should be a given. Even Christmas does not get in the way of that training regime. And, on-court, no cause is a lost one.

One of the brightest ­prospects from England’s Under-21 Euros squad that failed so miserably is Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek – recently hammered for his poor work ethic by boss Jose ­Mourinho.

Like how sacrifices have to be made. Maybe Murray remembers the sacrifices his parents made to help him. His slavish pursuit of excellence has a monastic element to it.

In 2009, he explained why he doesn’t touch alcohol. “I always wanted to see how far I could go in the sport. I didn’t want anything to jeopardise that.”

Royal approval: Murray receives his OBE from the Duke of Cambridge (Image: PA)

Athletes need down-time, but does a fag and a beer ­actually HELP Jack Wilshere to go as far in his sport as he possibly can?